Building a Device to Study Mechanobiology of Pregnancy
This undergraduate research project focuses on designing and building a novel experimental device to study the mechanobiology of pregnancy, motivated by the urgent need to better understand and reduce preterm birth. Mechanical forces play a critical role in regulating cellular behavior during pregnancy, yet there are limited experimental tools to study these effects in a controlled and physiologically relevant manner. The goal of this project is to develop a functional, lab-ready device that can be used to investigate how mechanical cues influence pregnancy-related cells and tissues.
The student will participate in all stages of the research process, including a targeted literature review, computer-aided design using SolidWorks, prototyping through 3D printing and machining, and device testing and iteration. Depending on interest and experience, the project may also involve basic cell culture experiments to validate device functionality. By the end of the project, the student will produce a fully functional device along with a written user manual, gaining hands-on experience in biomedical device design, biomechanics, and experimental research.
This research is conducted in a highly interdisciplinary lab that integrates biomechanics, mechanobiology, and biomedical imaging to address critical problems in maternal–fetal health, including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. Ongoing projects in the lab span experimental device development, tissue-scale mechanical testing, cell-level mechanotransduction, and data-driven modeling of pregnancy outcomes.
As a new lab on campus, students have a unique opportunity to help build foundational research efforts and contribute meaningfully to emerging projects from the ground up. The lab values transparency, inclusivity, and collaborative problem-solving, with a shared goal of advancing fundamental understanding while improving human health outcomes.